However, the former Valencia midfielder has faith in his manager’s decision and will concentrate on continuing his recent level of performance for his club.

“I have to go forward and trust in the call,” he told AS.

“I always try to give my best in every practice and every game, to be at the highest level. I think that's what led me to be at an important club like Chelsea and enjoying top level football.

“Therefore, that's what I'm going to keep doing, not taking anything for granted and working and training as usual.”

Mata capped a succesful first season with Chelsea by scoring the final goal in Spain's 4-0 rout of Italy in the Euro 2012 final, despite only coming on as a subsitute in the dying moments.

After an extended break from pre-season training following his participation in the London 2012 Olympic football tournament, he has hit the ground running for the Blues, contributing four goals and five assists in his last five matches.